Dog Dental Care

Your pet counts on you for protectionWith major advances in treating serious infectious and other pet diseases, oral disease Ė most importantly periodontal or gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar Ė has become the number-one health problem for dogs. Itís estimated that without proper dental care 80% of dogs will show signs of oral disease by age three. With your help, your pets can have healthy teeth and gums throughout their lives.

You simply need to provide them with a few things:

A nutritious diet

Chew treats recommended by a veterinarian

Regular brushing at home

Yearly dental checkups by a veterinarian

Good dental health begins with the proper dietThe wrong kinds of food can cause dental distress in pets. Feeding your dog a dry food rather than a moist, canned one will, through its mild abrasive action on the teeth, help remove the bacterial plaque that can harden into tartar. Dry food also provides adequate chewing exercise and gum stimulation. Avoid giving your pet sweets and table scraps as they may also increase plaque and tartar formation. Your vet may recommend the use of special dry foods designed to reduce plaque and tartar buildup, especially if your pet is prone to dental problems due to his breed or individual genetic history.

Brushing your petís teethDogs need to have their teeth brushed in order to eliminate the dental plaque that can cause tooth decay and the formation of tartar, which can lead to gum disease. You should begin a regular, daily brushing routine when your puppy is between six and eight weeks of age. Even older dogs can be trained to accept having their teeth brushed. You simply need to introduce the activity gradually and make the experience a positive one for your pet. Reassure and praise him profusely throughout the process and reward him with a very special treat when itís finished. Hereís how it can be done:

Step 1ē Start by dipping a finger in beef bouillon for dogs.? ē Rub this finger gently over your petís gums and one or two teeth.? ē Repeat until your pet seems fairly comfortable with this activity.

Step 2ē Gradually, introduce a gauze-covered finger and gently scrub the teeth with a circular motion.

Step 3ē Then, you can begin to use a toothbrush, either an ultra-soft model designed for people or a special pet tooth-brush or finger brush, which is a rubber finger covering with a small brush built in at its tip.

Step 4ē Finally, once your pet is used to brushing, introduce the use of pet toothpaste in liquid or paste form. Most of these contain chlorhexidine or stannous fluoride Ė ask your veterinarian for his recommendations. Donít use human toothpaste, as it can upset your petís stomach. Your vet may also advise the use of an antiseptic spray or rinse after brushing.

Donít forget a yearly dental checkupDoing your best to ensure that your dog receives the proper diet and regular brushing at home will help maintain his or her teeth and gums in top condition. To provide optimum dental care at home, you need to start with a clean bill of dental health. Thatís where your petís veterinarian comes in. He or she will give your pet a thorough examination of the entire oral cavity to determine whether there are any underlying problems and, especially important, tartar buildup. Brushing removes plaque but not tartar, so if your petís teeth do have tartar, your veterinarian will have to remove it with a professional cleaning and polishing, usually accomplished under anaesthesia. After removing the tartar above and below the gum line, your veterinarian may treat your petís teeth with fluoride and will provide you with instructions for home care and follow-up.

A few tips:

Chew treats, including hard meat-protein biscuits and rawhide chews for dogs, can help remove plaque, and provide stimulation for the gums.

Watch out for wood Ė throwing sticks to dogs can result in splinters and gum damage.

Donít let your pet chew on hard materials like bones or stones. They can wear down, even break teeth, damage gums and lead to infection.

A few statistics:

Puppies develop their deciduous teeth at 2 weeks of age, with their 42 permanent teeth starting to appear at 3 months.